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In This Issue
- President's Corner
- January General Meeting
- Bi-Laws Announcement
- Ever Wondered...
- Sonoita-Bisbee Ride News
- February General Meeting
- Cycling the Sierras
- The Four Day Tour
- BICAS Calendar
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Where In Tucson?
(see below for location)
Send in your "Where in Tucson" pics and we will print them in an upcoming Paceline.
GUESS HERE
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Check out BikeLife Tucson Magazine
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GABA Classifieds
Do you have a bike-related item you would like to buy, sell or trade? We have two ways to get the word out.
POST IT ON THE
GABA WEBSITE
To find out how to post
CLICK HERE
To post on the GABA website, you MUST be a GABA member - one more good reason to join GABA.
AND/OR
POST IT IN PACELINE
To send in a Classified
CLICK HERE
Please be sure to include all details, including your contact info so an interested party can contact you directly. We can take a (single) photo for your item.
We will run your item for 2 issues, then remove it (unless you let us know the items have been sold/found).
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SEND US NEWS, STORY IDEAS OR ARTICLES!
Do you have something interesting to share with the Tucson cycling community? A link to an event? An article that we don't know about? A topic that might be worth looking into? We publish monthly, but with more news from you we can publish every two weeks.
If you have something that you think others would like to find out about, please share it with me, Laura H paceline@bikegaba.org
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SUPPORT
THE PEOPLE WHO SUPPORT US! |
Where in Tucson?
Last month's "Where in Tucson" was Naranha Park just west of Oracle, between Tangerine and Lambert on Naranah. Our first correct guesser was Brian Wacik. Brian won a GABA Patch Kit.
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Greetings!
Happy New Year everyone. As we move into 2016, it is my hope to give Paceline a more streamlined and up-dated look. Keep your eye out for some changes, and know your articles, or your article ideas are always welcome. Deadline for submissions is the 20th of the month, ex:January 20th for the February Paceline.
Thanks for reading and riding with GABA in 2015!
Laura H
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A Choice Resolute
As we move into 2016, most of us will engage in the "time-honored tradition" of making our New Year's resolution(s). I can just imagine that some resolutions maybe quite unique. I'm sure some of us have a few from years past that may get new life this January.
Folks who have shared their resolutions with me often have a few common themes. We vow to ride more, exercise more, or eat healthier. All noble ideas--all good for us. Unfortunately for some of us, we sometimes forget our resolutions. (Do you remember yours from last January?) So this year, I'm not just going to make resolutions, a plan to remember them, mark a calendar for each month of the year to remind me, and check progress to see if I am staying on track.
On behalf of GABA, I wish each and every one of you a great and prosperous year. Perhaps, as we make our resolution choices, we can include GABA. It would be nice to continue to increase our rider miles and our membership enrollees. Year 2015 was the best year ever for day rides. Thanks to the wonderful participation of our ride leaders, our members, and guests.
Overall, GABA has had a relatively safe year. Not perfect though and there is room for improvement. John Forrester, a nationally known bicycle safety instructor, has a saying: "Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles."
I would like to ask that we all make a resolution to review the rules of the road and make a strong conscious effort to follow them throughout 2016. The Share the Road Guide is available at the GABA general meetings, bike shops, and on the internet. It has the basic rules in it and is worth reading. Did you know that the Arizona Driver's Manual, also available on the internet, has recently been revised. It's kinda cool because MVD fixed a few errors about bicycle law, and changed something very important.
No longer does the manual have a section about "accidents" and what to do when we are in one. The manual now uses the word "crash." Many years ago there was a movement to remove the word "accident" from our vocabulary and replace it with "crash." Why? Because crashes are preventable. Studies have shown that there is a different mind set between thinking of these situations as "accidents" that randomly happen vs. thinking of them as preventable "crashes."
I think GABA is the best and we have set the standard for the community in how to conduct rides. There's nothing wrong though with raising the bar a little bit for 2016.
Be safe, ride well, and enjoy the New Year!
Eric Post, Esq.
GABA President
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GABA General Meeting
Monday, January 4, 2016
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Sharon Goldwasser and her husband Chuck Williamson combined their passions-- love of nature, cycling, and Irish music while cycling together in England and Western Ireland.
What happens when two cyclists with a love of nature and a passion for Irish music plan a trip to visit their daughter in England? For Sharon and Chuck - it was their opportunity to combine everything!
Sharon and Chuck will share their cycling journey in the city of Cambridge, England. They found Cambridge to be a city that is completely permeated by everyday bike culture. They discovered the power and perils of renting and riding city bikes.
They worked with a tour company creating a unique itinerary for a self-guided cycling tour in Clare and Galway- to Western Ireland. By day we cycled along rural, back roads that led us to our evening destinations. Specifically chosen to enjoy traditional Irish music sessions in local Pubs.
Join us for a peek at these two experiences of cycling while "across the pond", along with a bit of traditional Irish music on fiddle and guitar for atmosphere.
Location: Tucson Osteopathic Medical Center 3182 N Swan Road, Tucson |
ATTENTION GABA MEMBERS
Notice: Bylaws will be reviewed and possibly revised/amended at the FEBRUARY 8, 2016 GABA Board Meeting, 7 p.m., Ward V Offices, 3202 E. 1st St. GABA Members are welcome to attend. |
Ever Wondered....
by Colleen Giles
What does a GABA Supported Ride Organizer or Ride Volunteer do?
Have you ever given any consideration to organizing or volunteering for a supported GABA ride or event? Maybe you have organized a ride in past years, but would like a little refresher before tackling the assignment again? Maybe you are just curious? If any of these statements apply, you are in luck.
On Saturdays, January 16th, from 9 am until 2 pm, GABA will sponsor information classes designed to explain what it means when you volunteer for any supported ride position from Sweep to Baggage to SAG to Organizing on special events, century and overnight rides.
January 16th, from 9 am to 11 am, this class is intended for those who want to volunteer as a SAG, Sweep, Baggage, etc... volunteer. It will focus on what the roles and responsibilities are for all of the other ride and event volunteers. Lunch will be provided to all who attend.
We will break for lunch at 11 am to 12 noon. From 12 noon until 2 pm, intended for those who want to learn more about being a Ride Organizer. This class will deal with the specifics involved in organizing a GABA ride. If possible, bring your laptop for 'hands-on' experience with Club ride files and practical application.
Without your help in volunteering and organizing our rides, GABA might have to make the hard choice to cancel them. So please, consider how you can help us stay the number #1 bike club in Arizona for supported rides and events.
We will meet at Eric Post Law office, located at 651 N Swan, Tucson. Get ready to learn some interesting facts. Discover why volunteers are GABA's most essential and valuable asset!
Please go to to RSVP for this event. You can also e-mail us at the e-mail link below of you have questions.
So that we may adequately prepare, please RSVP by Jan 14th for Jan 16th class.
*Class is limited to 12 participants.
Class organizers:
GABA Supported Rides Co-Coordinators:
Jim Harms (520) 241-5556
Pam Cullop (520) 271-6678
Colleen Giles (254) 220-2221
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Sonoita - Bisbee Overnight Tour
March 19 and 20, 2016
With the spring sun beckoning you to Bisbee and the wind at your back, travel east on Hwy 82, and feast your eyes on the rolling grassland of Sonoita with the lofty Huachuca Mountains at the horizon. Join us for a weekend of camaraderie, beautiful views and fun in Bisbee! Pedal long rolling hills and enjoy scenic vistas as you make your way to the quaint old mining town of Bisbee, now an arts colony, nestled in Southeast Arizona's Mule Mountains.
DAY ONE:63 miles, via Tombstone to Bisbee. Ride north out of the Santa Cruz Fairgrounds in Sonoita and turn east on Hwy 82. The route will be marked with GABA signs at all turns. Continue east to through Mustang Corners towards Tombstone. Cycle east on Hwy 82 to Hwy 80, turn south to pedal through the lively, old town of Tombstone. Stop for a bit and enjoy a meal in one of the old west restaurants, if you desire, or at SAG 2 at the Tombstone Municipal Park. Continue south from Tombstone on Hwy 80. From the base of Mule Pass, you have the choice of turning left at top of the hill onto Old Divide Rd prior to the tunnel, which offers great views of the Town of Bisbee and a great decent into the town. Or, a great decent through the tunnel into the town of Bisbee. Your luggage will be waiting for your arrival at your lodging. DAY TWO: 66.5 miles via Hereford, Palominas, Sierra Vista, Mustang Corners to Sonoita
Enjoy a beautiful decent by the Lavender Pit continuing south on Hwy 92 towards Sierra Vista. Turning right onto Hereford road where you will cross the San Pedro River and continue through some residential areas working your way towards Ft. Huachuca and Sierra Vista. Continue North on Hwy 90 towards Mustang Corners where you will find your last SAG before the 17 mile grand finale. Turn Left onto Hwy 82 cycling the final 17 miles through rolling hills and grasslands back into Sonoita and the end of your wonderful journey. No camping
available Friday or Saturday!
Your Sonoita-Bisbee Tour Fee Includes: Safe parking for your car at Sonoita Fairgrounds for the whole weekend SWEEP Support along the route on both days for tired cyclists or bike problems 3 SAG Stops along the course each day with fruit, snacks, and lunch makings Truck to deliver luggage at your lodging from our accommodations list Route map and riders instructions GABA signs at each turn along the course for both days Hotel List can be found at bikegaba.org on the Sonoita - Bisbee Overnight Tour webpage
Make your Hotel reservations now! Volunteers are Needed for this ride.
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Sonoita-Bisbee Overnight Ride Jersey for 2016 
Yes, a jersey has been designed for the Sonoita-Bisbee Overnight Ride by a group of women from San Diego who have been participating in this ride for the past few years. They enjoyed the ride so much they decided to design a jersey for it, again. These women are the HEFFERs who are members of Trek Club in the San Diego area. This year we are hoping to get the word out about this cool jersey. It is the same design as last year only the year has changed. This was done in order to have the jersey ready in time for the March 19-20 ride.
Ordering the jersey is done through Ascendsportswear and the link provided below. THIS IS NOT A GABA PRODUCT. We are only helping these ladies with this project. All purchases will be done through the ascendsportswear link set up and provided by Susan Gardner, who is one of the ladies from the group.
All orders need to be completed by February 8, 2016. This will allow enough time for production and shipping of the jerseys by March 19th. These wonderful ladies have done this on their own and everyone at GABA greatly appreciates their motivation and love for bicycling.
Ascendsportswear link is below. OR Go to bikegaba.org, then to the Sonoita-Bisbee Ride webpage and scroll to the bottom, then click on the link Or, cut and paste the link into your address bar.
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February General Meeting
Monday, February 1, 2016
7 p.m.
Join Bob Willman for a presentation about his 2,100-mile ride from the Canadian Border to the Mexican Border along the Pacific Coast Highway including pictures, stories and a discussion on lessons learned.Location: Tucson Osteopathic Medical Center 3182 N Swan Road, Tucson Map Link |
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Cycling the Sierras
by Mark Sterling
This past summer I took a road trip to Northern California to attend the Cycle the Sierras ride. It was a 5 day fully supported ride, including a motorcycle escort, chow wagon and SAG vehicles just in case riders cannot make in though the day.
At the start of the ride, cue cards, one for each day, were issued to all the riders at check- in time. The cue sheets were clear and easy to read. There were red arrows painted on the pavement at all turns so there would be no missed turns. We also picked up the ride's jersey (extra not included with fee). It is a sharp looking riding jersey.
This ride was on all back roads of The Sierras. Mostly farm roads and small towns with plenty of hills. I did not have a single flat. The ride started in Nevada City, CA. 300 miles over 5 days with 30,000 feet of climbing. The ride slogan was 5/300/30000(clever).
Each morning the crew had hot brewed coffee ready at 6:00 am sharp. Breakfast was at 7 am. The coffee was made in a coffee maker called "The Detonator" from Pacific Green Roasters. There was plenty of coffee for all. The menu was geared toward hungry cyclists.
On day one 83 cycles set out from Nevada City for Chile Bar. 4630 feet of climbing and 61 miles.Day two was the hardest day on the ride with 6920 feet of climbing in 54 miles. If you can climb Mt. Lemon you are fit to ride from Chile Bar to Silver Lake. SAG was offered on this day for those who could not make it up the mountain.
On day one, 83 cyclists set out from Nevada City for Chile Bar which was 4630 feet of climbing and 61 Miles.
Day two was the hardest day of the ride with 6920 feet of climbing in 54 miles. If you can climb Mt. lemon you are fit to ride from Chile Bar to Silver lake. SAG was offered on this day for those who could not make it up the mountain.
Day three we rode up over Carson's pass with a max elevation of 8574 feet. Stopping at the small visitor's center is a must. We then camped near Lake Tahoe in Camp Richardson that night.
Day Four we cycled to Sierraville taking a tour of downtown Truckee, which is a small mining town. Sierraville has the Sierra Hot Springs and that is where we camped. We all took a dip in the natural hot springs and swimming pool. This was my favorite stop on the ride.
Day five, the last ride day and the longest miles, 85 but most of that was down hill. At the very bottom of the ride we crossed the Yaba river then we had to climb out of the Yaba valley to get back to Navada City where we started 5 days ago. Total climbing for this day was 6100 feet.
This is a very well supported ride. You just need to show up with your road bike and a sleeping bag, they do the rest. At the end all riders received a medallion similar to what the El Tour de Tucson hands out to finishers.
If anyone is interested, they already posted the dates for 2016. This is that luxury deluxe bucket trip ride we all dream about. Go to their web site or see them on face book for details about the 2016 ride. It is worth the trip. It is worth repeating.
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The Four Day Tour By Bob Willman May the sun always shine upon you and have you the wind at your back. ~Author Unknown
You never have the wind with you - either it is against you or you're having a good day. ~Daniel Behrman, The Man Who Loved Bicycles
Our GABA Sonoita to Bisbee ride leader Colleen Giles talked to me this fall about the possibility of doing a four day trip from Tucson that included the planned March Sonoita-Bisbee route. You see, there is a small point missed by many of us, that is Colleen had never cycled the route, only driven it MANY times in her car. So, this was going to be her first time experiencing the fun ride up Mule Pass hill going to Bisbee and the constant head winds going from Mustang Corner back to Sonota.
Colleen Giles, Wendi Mabee and I left Tucson Friday 4 Dec and headed out for a four day, self-contained bicycling tour. We cycled from our homes and met at the new "Loop" segment through Fantasy Island which is a super way to bypass Houghton. 
Once we reached Valencia we headed east to Houghton. We turned east on Mary Ann
Cleveland into a 5 - 10 mph headwind. Ah... the fun begins. South on Colossal Cave
to Wentworth and we worked our way to Sahuarita road and over to Route 83 south. As we were cycling east on Sahuarita the wind started to shift to the north east. As we
turned south on Route 83 the wind was helping.
We had a pleasant ride all the way to Sonoita.
Saturday, the second day of our adventure, we headed east on Route 82. We followed
the planned GABA route to Bisbee through Tombstone.
The weather was sunny with little or no wind that day. After a lunch stop in Tombstone, the route along Route 80 was very bumpy with the exception of new
pavement on the entire Mule Pass hill going into Bisbee.
Sunday we headed out of Bisbee, past the copper mine and stopped for the typical
great breakfast at the Bisbee Breakfast Club. Leaving Bisbee we headed southwest
along Route 92 with a 10-15 mph wind out of the east. This was a quick ride downhill
downwind ride for about 9 miles. We turned northwest, still with a little tailwind. As we
worked out way to Route 90 the wind was slowly shifting and started blowing from the
south. While riding north on Route 90 the wind was coming directly from the south. As
we approached Mustang Corner the wind started to shift around and was blowing from
the east again. Riding from Mustang Corner back to Sonoita with a tailwind one hardly
notices the fact you are riding mostly uphill the 19 miles.
Monday, our final day of the four day tour saw much of the same riding conditions as we had on Sunday.
Heading north on Route 83 we had a tailwind until we were a couple of miles from
Sahuarita road, the wind started to shift directly from the east. As we approached
interstate 10 there was a strong east crosswind. That was OK because we were about
to start heading west on the frontage road. Heading north on Colossal Cave road we
still had a crossing wind but once we got to Mary Ann Cleveland road we had a strong
tailwind all the way across to Houghton. Going north on Houghton to Valencia the wind
started to die down. Once we were on the new segment of "The Loop" going through
Fantasy Island there was very little wind. I think the Rincons were blocking the east
wind.
This weekend of cycling was one that you usually only read about. The weather was
darn near perfect; sunny, temperatures were in the upper 40's to low 50's in the
morning warming up to the upper 60's to low 70's. The wind direction kept changing
giving us a tailwind most of the time. The two ladies I rode with are super riding
partners. We had a great time and a few good laughs along the way. Thank You Wendi
and Colleen for a great riding experience!
March 19-20, 2016 Colleen will be leading the GABA Sonoita-Bisbee ride which is a two day ride starting in Sonoita, going to Bisbee for an overnight and returning to Sonoita.
For details on the ride visit www.bikegaba.org If you want to make it a four day trip I
will be posting a Sonoita to Bisbee plus-up on MeetUp. We will be riding to Sonoita
from Tucson on Friday and returning to Tucson on Monday. You will be responsible for
arranging your own accommodations Friday night and Sunday night in Sonoita AND
transporting your luggage on Friday and Monday.
Xanadu Ranch 520 895 4250
Sonoita Inn 520 455 5935
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Women & Transgender Workshop
1/4, 1/11, 1/18, 1/25
4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Wheel Building Class
1/9 at 9 a.m. and
1/10 at Noon
Basic Maintenance
1/23
1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Volunteer Orientation
1/23
6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
BICAS CALENDAR
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